23
Jan '20

Child’s Salvation

23
Jan '20

Talking To Children About Salvation

 
KEYS TO TALKING TO A CHILD ABOUT SALVATION:
 
Ask Follow-up questions – When a child asks a question, often they do not know exactly what to ask. Get clarification before deciding how to answer a question. For example, you might say, “Tell me about what you are thinking,” “What made you ask that question,” or “Where did you hear about this?” Remember, many times the question a child asks may not be the actual question for which he is needing an answer. Avoid asking questions that can be answered with “yes” or “no.”
 
Avoid giving more information than a child needs – Adults can be temped to tell all they know on a subject. When a child asks a question, only answer what the child is asking. If a child asks for more information, be more specific with your answers.
 
Don’t jump to conclusions – A child may ask, “Why did Andy get baptized?” This question may be only a request for information, not a request for the gospel presentation.
 
Speak in clear terms – Avoid symbolic analogies that may distract from discussion and understanding. It helps to speak in simple phrases that are easy for your child to understand.
STEPS OF GOD’S PLAN FOR SALVATION:
God loves you and has a great plan for you (Psalm 139:13-16) – Talk about these truths: God made the world, God made people, God made you, God wants to have a relationship with people, and God wants to have a relationship with you. Say, “Tell me one way you know God loves you.”
 
We have all sinned (Romand 3:23) – Everyone must understand that he is separated from God. Sin is best understood as choosing to do things our way instead of God’s way (have you child name some examples of sin such as disobedience, lying, fighting, or even stealing)
 
We deserve to be punished for our sins (Romans 6:23) – Explain that a “wage” is what we deserve for doing something. A parent performs a job and earns money or a wage. The wages of sin is death. Let them know that death refers to separation from God. We will all die, but we can not be with God in Heaven if we have sin in our life. The topic of Hell will often come up in this discussion. Do not shy away from the topic of Hell. It is a real place where people will spend eternity in torment, not because they were bad people, but because their sin separates them from God. Your child needs to understand that. However, don’t go so far that your child is scared into salvation.
 
Even though we choose sin, God still loves us and offered to forgive us (Romans 5:8) – Ask, “How do you think it makes God feel when you sin?” Focus on the fact that God loves the child even when they sin. Make sure that they understand that God knows about every sin that they commit. Say: “God promised that one day a Savior would come and not sin and would die for all people. Do you know who that Savior is? Did you know that He died for you?”
 
Jesus died for us (John 3:16) – Tell about John 3:16 and explain that because sin separates people from God, everyone needs a Savior. Ask, “Do you know why Jesus died?” Reply, “Jesus loved you so much. He willingly died for you, so you could be with God forever,” If the child is old enough to understand the resurrection, say, “Jesus rose from the dead, so we could have eternal life.”
 
You can become a Christian when you recognize that you have sinned and need a Savior. – Ask, “Would you like to be a Christian and start living for Jesus today?” Trusting Jesus to forgive your sin and become a Christian is as simple as A,B,C,D: 
    • Admit you have sinned (Romans 3:23)
    • Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave. (John 3:16)
    • Confess your need for a Savior. (Romans 10:9)
    • Demonstrate your new belief by being baptized. (Romans 6:3-5)

Here at Cayuga Christian Church, children interested in being baptized are encouraged to meet with our Children’s Minister, Kara Porter, to go over the points of salvation and schedule baptism. Contact Kara directly to make an appointment. 

REVIEW AND FOLLOW-UP:

Encourage a child to tell you in their own words what they understand and believe.
 
Even if your child is not artistic, create a scrapbook page with your child. Have them write and draw their thoughts and feelings about their salvation. Help your child to come up with their own ideas. Give them some Bible references that might be useful. This page can be used later in their life to remind them that they understood exactly what it means to be saved.

ABOUT CHILD BAPTISM:

“Is my child ready to be baptized yet?”  If you are asking this question, then I’d like to share four points for you to consider:

1. Get Excited.  When your child starts asking you questions about their faith, God, the Bible, and the possibility of getting baptized, this is not the time to panic.  Take a deep breath and express the joy of a decision like this.  Here’s the truth: Deciding to follow Jesus is the BEST decision a person can ever make!  As a parent it is your responsibility to help your kids make wonderful choices in life.  THIS IS THE MOST WONDERFUL CHOICE THEY WILL EVER MAKE!  Don’t be afraid to have this conversation.  Talk to your child about Jesus.  Express your excitement about their decision.

2. Use Your Parental Discernment.  Following Jesus is a mature decision.  It’s not one to be taken lightly.  No one knows your child better than you.  Ask a few questions to determine your child’s motive in making this decision.  Here’s a great question to open the conversation with your child when they ask about baptism:  “I’m so excited your thinking about this.  I’ve been praying about this for a long time.  Can you tell me what has made you think about this decision?”  This question will help you determine your child’s mindset going into a decision like this. CAUTION: Never blow off your child’s question because you think they’re too immature.  If they start asking about baptism and starting a relationship with Jesus, take advantage of their questions by teaching them about Jesus.

3. This is not a quiz.  Don’t think they have to give you all the right answers before you will let them get baptized.  Jesus said in Mark 10:15, “I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”  Your child is making spiritual decision.  Not an intellectual decision.  Having a proper understanding is necessary.  But passing a test in order to be allowed to be baptized is not.

4. Learn something new.  If you have not studied the Bible very much, there’s a good chance your child may ask a question that you’re not so sure how to answer.  Rather than avoiding the question until you can schedule a meeting with your pastor, take a moment and research the question to help your child understand now.  The person responsible for your child’s growing faith is not your pastor, it’s their parent.  Consider your pastor a resource to learn from.  Send him an email asking for help.  Seek his guidance as you seek to guide your child in the right direction.

It’s a joy meeting with parents to talk about Jesus with their kids. But it’s an even greater joy to watch parents teach their kids about Jesus.  When parents become their children’s “spiritual advisor”, then faith will grow, not just on Sundays at Church, but seven days a week in your home.